changing oncologist

mschaben
mschaben Member Posts: 87
in Breast Cancer #1

I was wondering if anyone else has had to change oncologist due to them not listening to you.  I have new swelling and lumps around breast implant and pain into collar bone and hip.  My onc just says im a tough case.  Hes usually not interested in answering my questions or listening to me.  He seems to just want to be right and not be questioned.  My plastic surgeon said I should get a pet scan so I am being referred to a different oncologist by my family doctor to hopefully get a pet scan.  Can anyone relate.  Thanks in advance.. Hugs to all 

Mary

Comments

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #2
    New Oncologist

    You are absolutely doing the right thing by changing doctors. One of the most important things in a Doctor-patient relationship is communication. It certainly seems like that is lacking here in a BIG way. You know when something about your body has changed and merits medical attention. It borders on being medical negligence for your oncologist to ignore it. I think you made a very astute  observation about his psychological makeup. Whether you are referred for a breast MRI or a PET/CT scan please let us know how it all turns out for you. Personally I would also let your "former" oncologist know why you will no longer be coming to see him. That would give me a great deal of personal satisfaction. 

    IRENE

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    edited September 2016 #3
    I dumped my Primary Care

    I dumped my Primary Care after I overheard him telling an intern that I was a hyperchondriac. It took my a while to find a new PC, but I'm glad I did.  I also always try to have a female doctor, if possible.

  • Sasu
    Sasu Member Posts: 39
    #4
    New oncologist

    finding a new oncologist is in order. I am very fortunate, as I am one of those patients who had just about every thing go wrong as was possible.  I apologized, and my oncologist said not to. Once in a while it happens, and we just have to keep going. There was a nurse who saw me back yet again......and said something like "hello, sicko. Are you back again?   i found out later she was fired before I left the building.  It's your life you are dealing with, and it is their job to treat you. if you didn't tell them something was amiss, how were they to know?  

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    edited September 2016 #5
    Advocate for your healthcare

    You are absolutely doing the right thing.  There is nothing wrong with advocating for your own health care.  My oncologist and the nurses often refer to my care as "keeping them on their toes" because i question everything - even down to the amount of premeds, taxol and herceptin I am receiving and asking for a copy of my bloodwork each week. I also struggle with signing privacy rights statements and then sit in the waiting room waiting for my first and last name to be called to go to the back.....they no longer call my name as a result of me bringing to their attention they were violating my privacy.  I am always (well most of the time) professional and kind but my healthcare providers know I am on top of my own symptoms, reactions, and research.  

    I also sought a second opinion prior to deciding on the current location where I am receiving my treatment.  I would not hesitate to change oncologists and even locations of my treatments if I felt like my oncologist or anyone else wasn't hearing my voice and partnering with me through this process.  So far, I have been blessed with the care I am receiving.  

    :) Kathy

  • mschaben
    mschaben Member Posts: 87
    edited September 2016 #6
    Thank you

    thank you everyone for your response. ..  

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    edited September 2016 #7
    i WOULD GET AT SECOND OPINION

    i WOULD GET AT SECOND OPINION FOR SURE-IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO CHANGE-THEN CHANGE TO A NEW DR. YOU must feel comfortable with the Dr treating you.

     

    Denise

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